Page 1050 - Kitab3DsMax

Part X: Dynamic Animation
FIGURE 41.8
Using a mostly transparent material, you can create a fine mist spray.

Using the MetaParticles option
The MetaParticles option in the Particle Type rollout makes the particle system release Metaball objects.
Metaballs are viscous spheres that, like mercury, flow into each other when close. These particles take a lit-
tle longer to render but are effective for simulating water and liquids. The MetaParticles type is available for
the Super Spray, Blizzard, PArray, and PCloud particle systems.
Selecting the MetaParticles option in the Particle Types section enables the MetaParticle Parameters group.
In this group are options for controlling how the MetaParticles behave. The Tension value determines how
easily objects blend together. MetaParticles with a high tension resist merging with other particles. You can
vary the amount of tension with the Variation value. The Tension value can range between 0.1 and 10, and
the Variation can range from 0 to 100 percent.
Because MetaParticles can take a long time to render, the Evaluation Coarseness settings enable you to set
how computationally intensive the rendering process is. This can be set differently for the viewport and the
renderer—the higher the value, the quicker the results. You also can set this to Automatic Coarseness,
which automatically controls the coarseness settings based on the speed and ability of the renderer. The
One Connected Blob option speeds the rendering process by ignoring all particles that aren’t connected.

Tutorial: Spilling soda from a can
MetaParticles are a good option to use to create drops of liquid, like those from a soda can.
To create liquid flowing from a can, follow these steps:
1. Open the MetaParticles from a soda can.max file from the Chap 41 directory on the DVD.
This file includes a soda can model created by Zygote Media positioned so the can is on its side.
2. Select the Create ➪ Particles ➪ Super Spray menu command, and drag the icon in the Front view-
port. Position the icon so that its origin is at the opening of the can and the directional vector is
pointing outward.

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